3 Trade Targets Who Could Take the Minnesota Vikings to the Next Level

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports. Believe it or not, there are only two teams that remain undefeated through four weeks of the NFL season. Those two teams are the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings. The Chiefs’ success likely doesn’t surprise too many folks given their dominance over the past few years, but nobody could have predicted that Minnesota would be atop the NFC a quarter of the way through the year. With Minnesota’s success, perhaps some are wondering if it’s time for the Vikings to go all-in towards their pursuit of a Super Bowl this season. Here are three trade targets who could help make that a dream a reality. DT Dexter Lawrence Julian Guadalupe-NorthJersey.com Despite not having an overly dominant presence at the defensive tackle position, the Minnesota Vikings have found a way to get the job done in the defensive trenches under Brian Flores. So far this season, the Vikings lead the NFL in total QB pressures (62), QB knockdowns (20), and sacks (17). Much of this success has had to do with a deep group of edge rushers led by veterans Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard as well as a resurgence from Patrick Jones. The Vikings may have found success to this point, but in order to make sure it continues, the defensive tackle position should be on the front office’s mind when the trade deadline arrives. Dexter Lawrence is one of the best players at the position in the entire league and was one of the few New York Giants to cause some trouble for Minnesota during their Week 1 matchup. Lawrence has recorded three sacks in 2024 and has the third-best pass rushing PFF grade among defensive tackles with at least 70 pass rush snaps (80.8). The defensive tackle’s cap hit is manageable in 2024 before taking a big leap to $24.1 million in 2025. Luckily, the Vikings have plenty of cap space that they can fit the star defender into their payroll for the future if the New York Giants realize that they need to rebuild. WR Davante Adams Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports. This one seems far fetched, but Vikings fans would be drooling to see an offense with the firepower of Jordan Addison, Justin Jefferson, and Davante Adams at the wide receiver position along with T.J. Hockenson at tight end. After being a star with the Green Bay Packers to begin his career, Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. Despite strong numbers, Adams has not sniffed the playoffs since joining Las Vegas, and the wide receiver clearly wants to play January football again as he requested a trade from Las Vegas on Tuesday. To be sure, the 32-year-old wide receiver will carry a hefty price tag in the trade market and in the Vikings’ salary cap pockets, but Minnesota can get out of the contract fairly easily in the coming years if Adams’ production slips. If this season is the year to go all-in on a Super Bowl, nobody in Minnesota would bat an eye at this trade to reunite Adams with Aaron Jones. CB Jonathan Jones Brad Penner-Imagn Images Jonathan Jones has spent his entire career as a New England Patriot since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2016. During that time, Jones has been a part of five playoff runs and won two Super Bowl rings. Now, though, the Patriots are in the depths of a rebuild and may be looking to part ways with some veterans in order to acquire draft capital to utilize in the future. The 31-year-old Jones won’t be part of too many future plans in New England, and with an expiring contract, he could be one of the veterans moved at the trade deadline. Despite being an older player at the position, Jones has still been very productive for New England this year. His 71.6 coverage grade ranks 22nd among 83 cornerbacks to play 90 snaps in pass coverage, and he has three passes defended and a forced fumble to his name. Jones is a playmaker who can lock down opposing wide receivers on the boundary with great speed and physical play. The Vikings’ CB room has surprised so far, but an added starting caliber player should be in consideration for Minnesota. Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Reference.